How common is “We refill your rental car at gas station prices”?
National Rentacar is advertizing that, like it’s special, but I thought they all did it. At least the ones with “Drop the key in a slot and go” check-in.
Most rental car places charge a lot for refilling a tank, like two or three dollars/gal. That’s why you should always fill up before dropping your car off.
–Cliffy
“…at gas station prices” ??? Which gas station?
Yes, tom tom, they will fill your tank for you. With a smile! And with friendly and courteous service! And at a buck a gallon higher than the gas station down the road! Heck! I’d smile too if you’d let me sell you gas at that price! And while we’re at it, I’ve got a bridge to sell you too!!!
Unless you are horridly bad at math (or just plain lazy) you shouldn’t let the rental car company fill your tank after you return the car. Do it yourself (before returning the car, duh), and save the markup (50% or more) car rental companies typically tack on to “local” gas prices. (Typical… “We fill your tank for ONLY $2/gal! Local gas is $2.19/gal!” Yes, high-octane at the full-service pump might be that, but regular gas (the kind they will be using) at self-serve pump (the kind you will be using) will be nowhere near their price.)
These rental car price gimmicks are similar to many other price gimmicks (notably on new or leased automobiles): yes, technically, under certain and rarely repeatable circumstances, the price they quote is actually the price one customer might actually pay. However… “dealer participation may vary”, “limited-time offer” (i.e. today only), “at participating locations only”, “suggested retail price, actual price may vary”.
Many car rental agencies have a sign prominently displayed on the counter (or on the wall behind) offering the “we fill-up when you return” option and listing “their” price of gas as well as the price of “local service stations”. I have never (as in “freakin’ never”) seen one of these signs accurately report the local price of gas.
I’m surprised some lawyer hasn’t come up with a class action suit over this. There are plenty of people out there who need a lawyer to tell them they’re getting the shaft in this transaction.
I rented not too long ago in New York City when my old car was being repaired. The rental station quoted $2/gallon refill charge when bringing the car back with less than a full tank. I elected to go ahead and let them refill the damn thing, considering that even the price of crappy gas in NYC had risen to well over $2/gallon.
I checked my final receipt and they did, in fact, charge me only $2/gallon for the gas. My guess is that they moved to “local gas station” pricing fairly soon after this.
/travel guru hat ON/
Okay… here’s the skinny…
You CAN elect to have the rental company refill your car at local gas station prices when you return your car. This option has to be agreed upon AT THE TIME you rent the vehicle; not when you return it. Your car will have a full tank of gas when you drive away…
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- B U T ! - - -
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You will pay for the cost to fill an empty gastank, even if you return the car half-full (or “half-empty” depending on how you look at it.) For instance, if the gastank holds twenty gallons, and you return the vehicle with eight gallons in the tank (AND you’ve elected the "we refill your tank at local gas prices), then they’ll charge you the cost for TWENTY gallons.
If you’ve NOT elected that option, they’ll charge you for TWELVE gallons at THEIR price.
If you believe that you can coast into the rental location on fumes when you return the car, then it may not be a bad deal for you.
My advice, is NOT to elect either option. Watch for gas stations as you LEAVE the airport area so that you’ll know where you can REFILL when you return!
/travel guru hat OFF/
I just rented a car from National and they refilled my tank at $1.52 a gallon. Not too bad! I picked it up on full and returned it on empty and never had to wait in a single line!!!